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Valuable Tips on How to Have a Designer’s Mindset

Designing is a hole brain process wherein it includes being creative, analytic, passionate, and empathetic. Other people might think that designing is merely about creativity. But they are wrong. There are lots of things that one needs to consider in designing. A designer has a lot to face from the beginning of his career and he is continually facing more challenges as he grow in the field. Hence, it is important to always have that designer mindset in order to succeed. The right mindset will surely lead you to the right path.

Aside from different aptitudes that you need to develop, there are things that can be created only in the mind that would greatly affect your output as a designer. We have here some helpful tips for you in order to achieve and maintain the designer’s mindset. Start reading now and think as a designer.

1. Be open-minded.

Even if you are already equipped with knowledge and skills, you still need to be open-minded. This way, you can accept new ideas and learning. You will also find it easier to understand certain situations and accept ambiguities, too. Everything will be a lot easier if you have an open mind. This can even lead to creativity and innovation.

2. Think like a neophyte.

When beginners do the work, there are still much to learn and develop. They know that there are still lots of things that they need to know. Because of this, they tend to explore and learn new techniques and strategies. So, if you had been in the field of design for a long time, you still need to think like a beginner but work as an expert.

3. Embrace limitations.

These limitations are important for it can help you as a designer to enhance your creativity. Instead of looking at these limits as your weakness, you have to know how to handles these things and make it a positive thing for you. For example, you have limited time or money. Instead of complaining about its being limited, think of a way on how to use it in a good manner without wasting any of it. Limitations can help you have an active mind for you will think and find ways to overcome it.

4. Design to communicate.

Other designers sometimes forget this. They merely make their designs in order to beautify it. But what they failed to think is the more important thing which is communication. Yes, the beauty and appeal of your output is important but the message it delivers to the audience is far more significant. So, when you make your design, see to it that you can give the message rightly.

5. Be observant and aware.

It is very important for a designer to be skilled in observing things. This way, you will be able to see the bigger picture of the project. You can also easily get your needed details to come up with a good output. Do not just be contended of the information you have in hand. Have this characteristic of always digging deeper into details for it will also help you learn more aside from having better and effective outputs.

6. Learn to discipline self.

Self control is very important for it can help you discipline yourself with work. This will greatly help you in dealing with clients and in following your timeline. Control could also help you to make wise decisions as to which one to do and which one to drop.

7. Focus on developing ideas.

When you are working, do not be obsessed in using certain software and tools. You might think that you would do this design so that you can make use of a particular tool. That should not be your mindset. Focus on developing ideas for the design. You can effectively do that by using your pencil and your paper. Always start with sketching. You will be able to gain more ideas by doing that.

8. Put yourself in your client’s shoes.

In dealing with clients, you will only be successful if you think of them first before you consider yourself. Try to ponder on the situation and determine what is happening. Try to know how a particular situation will affect your client. As a designer, you need to know what your clients needs and what they want to achieve. Then work as if you are having the same goal. This will help you achieve a good output that will impress and satisfy them.

9. Know the rules.

There are graphic design principles that had been there even before you realized you want to be part of the field. After knowing and learning these, you also have to learn when to follow them and when to break them. There are instances that breaking some of these rules can give you better designs. You might even discover new techniques by breaking rules. Just be sure that even if you break them at times, you still follow them on some cases.

10. Be certain about your intentions.

The output of your design does not come by accident. It is a result of how you made it and what intentions you had while making it. So, while designing you have to follow a certain process and determine how you can make your design functional to the end user and effective to the target audience.

11. Look at the emotion of your work.

Without you noticing it, everything you do has an emotion. Even your outputs have a certain emotion. Try to know how your projects appear to the client. Does it look energetic or sad? Does it show the emotion that your client wants the output to have?

12. Let your design tell a story.

You will surely be a great designer if your designs can speak for themselves. The story it can tell the audience is very significant. It is even more impressive if you will learn how to hide some stories within your design making it mysterious and intriguing. Learn how to incorporate information, emotion and message in your design. This will surely make you a better designer.

It’s Your Turn Now

For sure, having a designer’s mindset can help you in so many ways to become better in your chosen field not just in the aspect of designing but also in dealing with clients. In totality, it can mold you to be a better person. There are still so many things that a designer should bear in mind. What do you think is missing in our list? We would love to hear your ideas. Feel free to add some tips here.